Coral Sea Battle Memorial Park

The Coral Sea Battle Memorial Park is Australia's largest war memorial. The park was created to commemorate an air and sea battle which took place in 1942 about 800 kilometres east off the coast of Queensland, between Australian/United States forces and Japanese.

This was the first naval battle, in history, in which the opposing ships never came within sight of one another. The entire action was fought by carrier borne aircraft. The Japanese claimed a tactical victory whilst the Allies a strategic victory, in that the assault on Port Moresby had been thwarted.

With Hinchinbrook Island silhouetted against the skyline and cool sea breezes this is a beautiful park in which to enjoy a picnic. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, a shelter shed and toilets.

This battle is commemorated in Cardwell annually, during early May, with dignitaries from both the United States and Australia participating.